Catalan Mayors defy courts ahead of referendum

More than 700 mayors from across Catalonia gathered in Barcelona to confirm their support for a planned independence referendum that Madrid has declared illegal.

In a show of defiance, the mayors met Catalonia’s regional head Carles Puigdemont though Spanish prosecutors had warned that officials engaging in any preparations for the vote could be charged with civil disobedience, abuse of office and misuse of public funds.

Along with hundreds of flag-waving protesters in downtown Barcelona, the mayors gave speeches in which they promised continued support for the referendum.

The Catalan government plans to hold a referendum on self rule for the wealthy northeastern region on October the 1st.